Bringing a Puppy Home: Our Process

We are thrilled you are considering a Guesshaus puppy to join your family. Our process is designed to ensure our preservation -bred German Shepherd go to the best possible homes while rewarding our waitlist families for their patience and loyalty. 

Step 1: Your Application

The journey begins with you. Please complete our detailed Puppy Application so we can get to know your family, your experience with the breed, and the kind of lifestyle you can provide. 

Step 2: Home Approval and Contract Review

Once we review and approve your application, we will send you our Master Priority Contract. We ask that you read this carefully and contact us with any questions. This ensures we are all on the same page regarding our health warranties and the selection process.

Step 3: Secure Your Master Rank Reservation

After approval, a $300.00 non-refundable reservation fee is required to secure your Master Rank. This is a program-wide seniority position based on your gender preference (e.g., #1 Choice Male). Unlike a standard litter list, this rank stays with you across our entire program, ensuring you never lose your "place in line."

Step 4: The Seniority Benefit 

We understand that breeding involves biological uncertainties. If a specific pairing does not produce your chosen gender or a suitable match, you do not lose your deposit. Instead, you retain your seniority and automatically slide up in rank as others ahead of you select their puppies. Your deposit is indefinitely transferable to future pairings.

Step 5: The 6-Week Commitment Window 

When a litter reaches six weeks of age, we perform a preliminary temperament and utility evaluation. We will contact you based on your Master Rank to provide an update. At this stage, you choose to either Commit to the current litter or Release your position to wait for a future pairing while maintaining your seniority.

Step 6: Professional Grading & Selection

Final structural and temperament grading is conducted at eight (8) weeks of age. This is the most critical step in preservation breeding. Based on your Master Rank and our professional evaluation, specific puppies are assigned to their families to ensure a perfect match for your goals—whether that is a show prospect, a performance dog, or a stable family companion.

Step 7: Final Payment and Pickup

The final balance for your puppy is due when the puppies reach eight weeks of age. We aim to have puppies in their new homes as close to the 56-day mark as possible to begin their vital socialization period. We will coordinate a specific pickup date and time with you in advance.

Step 8: Preparing for Your New Arrival

To ensure a smooth transition, we recommend you schedule your first "wellness" vet visit at least two to three weeks before your scheduled pickup day. This ensures you can secure an appointment within the required 72-hour window after the puppy leaves our kennel.